CO - P4627 - Water Quality Data Scientist

Title: CO - P4627 - Water Quality Data Scientist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $80,417

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Water Quality Data Scientist. This position serves as a member of the Office of Ecology responsible for leading management, analysis and interpretation of environmental data, with a primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and associated water quality data, using a strong background in environmental science and advanced statistical and geospatial techniques. Assists with the Department’s responsibilities under Virginia Codes 62.1-44.34:29 and 62.1-44.34:33 by coordinating the transfer and reporting of certain PFAS data with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), data and information generated by other outside entities as well as data generated by the Department. Compiles, inventories, and curates data to identify potential PFAS sources from available local, state, and federal data. Manages the development and maintenance of water quality data analytic tools, applications, templates, extract transform and load (ETL) processes, and other related information and projects as needed. Develops water quality analysis and reporting tools (e.g., R Shiny applications or Python Dash applications, ESRI Web Experiences and Dashboards, Tableau Dashboards, R Markdown/Quarto documents, etc.) for use by other environmental science staff and the public. Leverages programming languages (R or Python), and other analytical software (ESRI products, Tableau) to create and manage these tools. This position also presents data in a manner which facilitates comprehension by technical and non-technical audiences. Reviews technical documents for consistency with regulatory requirements, PFAS analytical methods, and sound science.

Please note: This position follows a hybrid working schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the Central Office of DEQ located in Richmond, VA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of environmental science and policy, biology, water quality standards/criteria, aquatic ecology of freshwater and estuarine systems.
• Knowledge of and experience analyzing environmental data with preference for water quality data, data analytics, statistics, database management and querying, ETL processes, and GIS in support of environmental programs.
• Experience with the following: RStudio and R Shiny (preferred) or Python, Tableau, ESRI Products, SQL, Microsoft Access and Excel.
• Experience working with large environmental datasets, with preference for water quality or water resources data.
• Experience with ETL processes, QA/QC, data analysis, and developing data visualizations, reports, and interactive tools with preference working with water quality or water resources data.
• Ability to work as a team member and maintain good working relationships with the agency teams across water, air, and land protection programs along with other federal, state and local water quality partners.
• Ability to express environmental and data science ideas and concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and/or program needs with competing timelines.
• This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required.

Additional Considerations

• Education, experience, or training in environmental sciences and policy, aquatic ecology, biology, natural sciences, environmental engineering, or related field which provides an advanced understanding of the knowledge, skills and competencies for the position.
• Experience in water quality (preferred) or water resources data management.
• Experience managing water quality data from monitoring programs having a large database, requiring statistical analysis and interpretation preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

****PLEASE NOTE: This position follows a hybrid working schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the Central Office of DEQ located in Richmond, VA.

Please Read Carefully:

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Excluding current DEQ Employees, selected candidates for employment MUST pass a criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required of all DEQ employees in order to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

The Application Process: Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. Applications submitted via postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

DEQ Values Veterans: DEQ is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (§2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Our Commitment: DEQ is an equal opportunity employer by both policy and practice. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. It is DEQ’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. DEQ will provide if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed, please contact DEQ Human Resources Office at 804-698-4000.

Contact Information

Name: Emily Duncan

Phone: (804) 845-4910

Email: HROCommunications@deq.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.